—
Guitar Chord Progressions in Industrial: A Gritty Guide
Industrial music. It’s not exactly known for its sweet melodies or sunshine-filled vibes, right? We’re talking about raw, distorted sounds, mechanical rhythms, and a general sense of unease. But even in this sonic landscape of harsh textures, guitar chord progressions play a vital, albeit often twisted, role. Forget your typical major and minor chords; we’re diving into the dissonant, the dark, and the downright dirty.
So, you’re a guitarist looking to add some industrial grit to your sound? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s break down how to build those crushing chord progressions.
Power Chords: The Foundation of Industrial Riffs
The Power of the Fifth
First things first, power chords are your bread and butter. Forget about fancy chord voicings. In industrial, simplicity is key, but with a serious edge. Power chords, those two-note wonders (root and fifth), provide that thick, heavy sound that defines the genre. They’re easy to play, but their impact is undeniable.
Think about bands like Ministry or Godflesh. Their guitar work is built on these powerful, droning chords. You’re not looking for harmonic complexity here; you’re looking for sheer, unadulterated weight.
Drop D Tuning: The Low-End Rumble
To really get that industrial feel, you’ll want to drop your guitar’s tuning. Drop D, where your low E string is tuned down to D, is practically mandatory. This gives you that extra low-end rumble that’s crucial for creating those crushing riffs. It also makes those power chords even easier to play, as you can now play them with a single finger across the top three strings.
Experiment with chugging on the open D string. It’s a classic industrial trick that adds a menacing drone to your progressions.
Dissonance and Dark Intervals: Adding the Tension
Minor Seconds and Tritones: The Unsettling Sounds
Industrial music thrives on tension and unease. And what better way to create that than with dissonant intervals? Minor seconds (the interval between two adjacent notes) and tritones (the devil’s interval) are your friends. These intervals create a sense of instability and discord that perfectly complements the genre’s dark aesthetic.
Try incorporating these intervals into your power chord progressions. For example, instead of just playing a standard power chord, add a note a half-step below or above the root or fifth. This will instantly add a sense of unease.
Chromatic Movement: The Creeping Crawl
Chromatic movement, where you move up or down by half-steps, is another essential tool for industrial guitarists. It creates a creeping, crawling effect that adds a sense of dread to your progressions.
Think about those slow, menacing riffs that seem to slither their way through a song. That’s often the result of chromatic movement. Try moving your power chords up or down the fretboard by single frets, creating a sense of relentless, grinding motion.
Repetition and Drones: The Hypnotic Effect
Repetitive Riffs: The Industrial Mantra
Industrial music often relies on repetition to create a hypnotic, trance-like effect. Instead of constantly changing chords, try sticking to a simple progression and repeating it for extended periods. This creates a sense of monotony and unease that’s perfect for the genre.
Think about those driving, repetitive riffs that create a sense of relentless, mechanical force. This is a key element of industrial guitar playing.
Drone Notes: The Sonic Undercurrent
Drone notes, sustained notes that provide a constant sonic backdrop, are another essential element of industrial guitar. They create a sense of unease and tension that underpins the rest of the music.
Try incorporating drone notes into your progressions by letting open strings ring out or using a sustain pedal. This creates a thick, layered sound that adds depth and texture to your riffs.
Experimentation and Noise: Breaking the Rules
Feedback and Distortion: The Sonic Weaponry
Industrial music is all about pushing boundaries and breaking the rules. Don’t be afraid to experiment with feedback, distortion, and other effects. These sonic weapons can transform your guitar into a powerful tool for creating noise and chaos.
Experiment with different distortion pedals, fuzzes, and overdrives. See what sounds you can create. Use feedback to create sustained, howling tones that add a sense of unease to your progressions.
Unconventional Techniques: The Industrial Approach
Don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional techniques. Use a slide to create glissando effects, tap the strings to create percussive sounds, or even use a bow to create sustained, droning tones. The possibilities are endless.
The key is to think outside the box and find your own unique voice within the genre. Industrial guitar is all about experimentation and pushing the limits of what’s possible.
Putting It All Together: Building Your Industrial Progressions
So, how do you put all these elements together to create your own industrial guitar progressions? Start with a simple power chord progression in Drop D. Then, add some dissonant intervals, chromatic movement, and drone notes. Experiment with repetition and different effects. Don’t be afraid to break the rules and create your own unique sound.
Remember, industrial music is all about pushing boundaries and creating something new. So, get out there and start experimenting. You might be surprised at what you can create.
Conclusion:
Industrial guitar chord progressions aren’t about pretty melodies or complex harmonies. They’re about raw power, unsettling tension, and a relentless drive. By mastering power chords, dissonant intervals, repetition, and drone notes, you can create the crushing riffs that define the genre. Embrace the noise, experiment with unconventional techniques, and don’t be afraid to break the rules. The world of industrial guitar is waiting for you to unleash your sonic fury.
